Porsche told CAR it expected final 918 Spyders to produce more power and better economy than the test mules – and Stuttgart has delivered. Final specs for the V8 hybrid supercar have been released, and it’s as quick as you’d hope (for £660,000…)
Porsche’s 918 Spyder: the vital stats:
Engine: 4.6-litre V8, 600bhp @ 8600rpm, 390lb ft @ 6600rpm. Engine redline @ 9150rpm
Hybrid module: lithium-ion batteries, electric motors, 154bhp
Total power: 875bhp
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch, all-wheel drive (electric motor drives fronts, motor and engine drive rears)
0-62mph: 2.8sec
0-124mph: 7.9sec
0-186mph: 23.0sec
Top speed: 211mph
MPG (combined): 85.6mpg
CO2: 79g/km
Electric-only driving range/top speed: 18 miles/93mph
Battery charge time: four hours (25mins with optional Porsche Speed Charging Station)
Weight: 1675kg (unladen), Weissach package cuts 35kg from kerbweight
Price: €781,155 (£661,000), without Weissach package / €853,155 (£720,400) with Weissach package
Any other Porsche 918 Spyder news?
You might have spotted that the 918 pictured here has sprouted new winglets aft of the rear wheels, and is running the production spec headlights and taillights rather than cobbled-together test components. Porsche says it is planning to return to the Nurburgring with the fettled 918 Spyder soon, aiming to beat the 7min 14sec lap time a test mule achieved there in 2012.
We’ve also got the full rundown of the 918’s five driving modes. E-Power mode operates purely as an electric car, as long as the batteries are sufficiently charged. Next up is Hybrid mode, which twins theengine and motors together as efficiently as possible, like your common-or-garden Toyota Prius. The engine is shut down under coasting or light acceleration too.
The first truly dynamic mode is Sport Hybrid mode, which uses the V8 constantly and adds in electric boost for greater shove, not less fuel consumption. Then there’s Race Hybrid, which sharpens up gearshift times and operates all the electric motors at maximum capacity. Finally, the 918’s party piece is Hot Lap mode, which runs the hybrid module to its limit, draining the battery in just a few laps but offering the car’s ultimate performance in the meantime.
>> Impressed or underwhelmed? Tell us your 918 Spyder verdict in the comments below